It will be a while before Luis Gil returns to the mound.
The American League’s reigning Rookie of the Year has been shut down with a high-grade lat strain following an MRI, Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday. The Yankees‘ manager said that Gil won’t throw for at least six weeks as he continues to get exams and opinions from doctors.
Boone added that Gil is in good spirits, and he hopes to have the right-hander back this season.
Gil will need a full spring training-style ramp-up once he’s cleared to throw, so he’s currently looking at an end-of-May return as a best-case scenario. The Yankees have dealt with a few notable lat injuries in recent years: Clarke Schmidt missed over three months in 2024 with one, while Luis Severino missed two months in 2023. Severino’s was a lower grade than the one Gil is dealing with.
Gil’s health first became a concern on Friday when he cut his own bullpen session short. Boone immediately called the development concerning and expected Gil to miss some time.
Gil has battled injuries in the past, including Tommy John surgery. He effectively returned from the procedure last spring before earning the Yankees’ fifth rotation spot following Gerrit Cole’s bout with elbow inflammation.
Gil, 26, went on to win Rookie of the Year with a 15-7 record, a 3.50 ERA, 77 walks and 171 strikeouts over 29 starts. He also shot past his career-high for innings pitched, totaling 151.2 in the regular season before throwing eight more frames in the playoffs.
With his value potentially at an all-time high, the Yankees had a chance to trade Gil over the offseason. His name was reportedly mentioned in trade talks involving former Astros All-Star Kyle Tucker — the outfielder went to the Cubs — but the Bombers ended up keeping the flamethrowing Gil.
With Gil now sidelined, Marcus Stroman figures to be the Yankees’ fifth starter following months of trade rumors. The Yankees could still look to move the veteran and a portion of his $18 million salary, but that’s proven difficult following Stroman’s poor second half in 2024.
With Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt making up the rest of the Yankees’ rotation, other depth options include Carlos Carrasco, Will Warren and Allan Winans. JT Brubaker, another depth option entering camp, recently suffered three broken ribs.
